The Papillon (French for butterfly) is instantly recognisable by its large, wing-shaped ears. Their drop-eared cousins, known as Phalènes (moths), can even pop up in the same litter.
Fun fact: Papillons were favourites of European royalty and show up in Renaissance paintings. Basically, these little “butterflies” have been fluttering around palaces for centuries.
Don’t let their dainty looks fool you. Papillons are busy, bold, and clever little dogs who often think they’re ten times bigger than they are.
Papillon Traits at a Glance
- Best trait: Playful and clever
- Challenging trait: Grooming attention
- Weight: 2–3 kg
- Height: 20–28 cm
- Lifespan: 13–16 years
Exercise Needs
Despite their size, Papillons aren’t delicate lapdogs. They thrive on action and will happily keep pace with you on walks, hikes, and agility courses.
Think of them as a toy breed with terrier swagger. They love endless games, chasing balls, and learning new tricks.
They can cope with apartment living, but only if you meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs. A bored Papillon = a noisy, mischievous Papillon.
Temperament
Papillons are lively, affectionate, and endlessly curious. They love to play and will shadow your every move, convinced they’re essential to all household business.
- Great with older kids who understand how to handle a small dog.
- Not ideal for toddlers who might tug those delicate ears.
- Big personalities in small packages — expect sass, charm, and confidence.
Watchdogs and Strangers
Papillons are excellent watchdogs. They’ll happily announce the postman, the neighbour, and the suspiciously loud bin bag.
Myth-buster: despite their royal past, they’re not snobs. They’re simply cautious with strangers until properly introduced. Training them to be quiet on command will help keep the peace.
Living With a Papillon
- Usually fine with cats and other dogs, though they can be bossy.
- Quick and agile — keep your garden secure if they spot a cat or squirrel.
- Thrive on companionship — this isn’t a breed for people who want a dog to “just relax in the corner.”
Training a Papillon
Papillons are one of the most intelligent toy breeds, often excelling in obedience and agility competitions.
They love to learn, but they also love doing things their own way. The trick is to:
- Identify their favourite reward early (usually food or play).
- Keep training sessions fun and fast.
- Avoid harshness — they’ll switch off if you’re too strict.
Tip: Our AI Dog Trainer is an excellent resource if you need help mastering recall or curbing that Papillon bark.
Grooming Needs
Papillons have long, silky coats, especially around their ears and chest.
- Weekly brushing is essential to avoid mats.
- They shed lightly year-round, heavier in spring and autumn.
- Their coat doesn’t need clipping — just regular upkeep.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Papillon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lively, playful, affectionate | Can be barky |
| Extremely intelligent and trainable | Needs regular brushing |
| Adaptable to apartments | Not ideal for toddlers |
| Long lifespan | May chase small animals outdoors |
Health Notes
Papillons are generally hardy, but like many small breeds, they’re prone to:
- Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps)
- Dental issues (small mouths, crowded teeth)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
If you’re considering a puppy, our Best in Breeder Guide will help you ask the right health questions.
History & Background
The Papillon dates back to at least the 1200s, when it was known as a toy spaniel. They feature in paintings by Old Masters such as Rubens and Titian, often perched on the laps of queens.
Fun fact: Marie Antoinette is said to have owned a Papillon named “Coco,” who survived even after she did not.
Famous Papillon Owners
- Marie Antoinette – whose Papillon escaped her fate at the guillotine.
- Madame de Pompadour – mistress of Louis XV, often painted with Papillons.
- Queen Sophie Dorothea of Prussia – another royal Papillon enthusiast.
Great Names for Papillons
With butterfly ears and a playful personality, they suit elegant and whimsical names.
- Elegant: Amélie, Louis, Coco, Giselle, Beau
- Playful: Flutter, Tinker, Pixie, Sprout, Zippy
- Cute: Mochi, Peanut, Daisy, Biscuit, Noodle
Need more inspiration? Try our Dog Name Generator for personalised suggestions.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Papillon?
Papillons may be toy-sized, but their personalities are anything but small. They thrive in homes that can provide them with entertainment, training, and grooming.
If you’re getting one, our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner will guide you through the early weeks. And once they’re home, celebrate their butterfly ears with one of our Cartoon Pet Portraits.
Pickles’ Aside:
“Papillons don’t just walk into a room… they flutter in like they own the place. Respect the wings.”
Papillon Stats
Pickles’ Aside:
“Papillons don’t just walk into a room… they flutter in like they own the place. Respect the wings.”
- Origin: France/Belgium
- Weight: 2–3 kg
- Height: 20–28 cm
- Lifespan: 13–16 years
- Best trait: Playful and clever
- Challenging trait: Needs grooming